RU2711434C2 - Sampling device and method for use thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: medicine.

SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to medical equipment. Sampling device comprises a body. Housing comprises chamber, opening, actuator and separate compartment. Separate compartment is detachably mounted inside the housing by means of a retainer, which is material which responds to changes in the external environment of the device. Actuation means enables retraction of inner substance through hole in chamber with simultaneous pushing of separate compartment along housing until a separate compartment is pushed out of the housing of the sampling device, thereby creating an increased space or volume for receiving and storing the sample inside the chamber of the sampling device. Disclosed is a method of producing a sample of the gastrointestinal tract of an animal.

EFFECT: technical result consists in ensuring the use of the device for a long time and simple extraction from the gastrointestinal tract.

32 cl, 11 dwg

Description

The present invention relates to a device for sampling. The device for sampling contains a separate compartment, which is pushed, creating an increased space or volume for the sample to be saved. The sampling device according to the present invention is suitable for collecting a sample in an aquaculture medium, closed system or in the gastrointestinal tract of a human or animal. The invention also relates to a method for oral administration of a device to an animal and extraction of a device for analysis on a selected sample to diagnose the condition of the gastrointestinal tract and determine the absorption of nutrients and digestibility.

The ability to directly take a sample of the substances in the animal’s gastrointestinal tract is a key technology for diagnosing the condition of the gastrointestinal tract; understand digestion in the ileum, digestion in the colon, and examine the relationships between certain food components and the biological, chemical and physico-chemical characteristics of the gastrointestinal tract of humans and / or animals. This includes nutrient absorption, drug metabolism, distribution of microorganisms, immunological status and so on.

Analysis of a sample of a substance, such as gas, solid phase, or liquid from the animal’s gastrointestinal tract, can provide information on pH, enzymatic activity, microbiological load / microbial contamination and molecular composition of the selected material, including information on nutrient load and degree processing, allowing to assess the state of health, and the diagnosis of diseases, and in particular diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, can also be obtained by determining immune factors or general immunological status, the characteristics of the microflora present, and the presence / absence of microbial pathogens or microbes that affect health.

Early detection, identification of the location of pathological conditions can be crucial for the final diagnosis and / or treatment of various pathologies. Particular monitoring of the sampling site of intestinal contents is also vital for understanding health status and disease, since diseases are usually associated with a specific site, for example, either in the stomach, ileum, or colon, in contrast to exposure to the entire gastrointestinal tract. Collecting a site-specific sample is also useful for understanding the effects of diet and nutrition, for example, processing in the ileum is an important factor in diet design, since the efficiency of absorption and absorption in the small intestine affects the luminal contents found in the distal gastrointestinal tract . Fermentation under the influence of the intestinal flora in the colon depends on the luminous contents reaching the colon, and therefore factors such as incomplete digestion of the protein have been associated with the formation of toxic compounds, including ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, indoles and phenols, which in turn increase the risk of colon cancer in people. When developing diets for “productive livestock”, it is also important to improve the availability of nutrients in food and the environmental impact of animal waste.

Although overall apparent digestibility (measured as a percentage of the amount of absorbed nutrients that is excreted in feces) is a key indicator, this methodology has several drawbacks related to contamination of feces with metabolic waste and non-food substances. Thus, assimilation in the ileum is a more appropriate measure of nutrient delivery. In addition, the outflow of the terminal ileum into the cecum can be considered a substrate on which the microflora of the large intestine acts. Thus, the contents of the colon or luminal contents can serve as an indicator or allow to evaluate the nutrients that are available for fermentation under the influence of the resident microflora of the gastrointestinal tract. Thus, the ability to measure a wide range of chemicals (e.g., proteins, carbohydrates, fats, non-starch polysaccharides, micronutrients, anti-nutritional factors), biological and physico-chemical (e.g. viscosity) properties from the intestinal contents of the ileum and colon, is significant development, which, in turn, can contribute to a qualitative change in our understanding of the effect of certain food components on digestion processes and its products. Such digestion products may include fecal characteristics, such as the quality and consistency of feces, and intestinal gas or flatulence. The development of these high-performance technologies can also make it possible to diagnose and investigate diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

There is a continuing need to improve the known sampling devices so that larger samples can be collected, and it is possible to collect samples of liquids, ranked by viscosity, as well as samples of the solid phase. These improvements to the sampling device make it possible to carry out a wider range of analytical tests to be performed on the sample and to increase the range of samples to be collected. In addition, the ability to change the point within the gastrointestinal tract at which sampling takes place allows you to study changes in factors involved in digestion (pH, emulsifying agents of enzymes, etc.) in food processing; nutrient absorption; microbial populations; immune factors and viscosity of intestinal contents throughout the gastrointestinal lumen. Thus, sampling can be carried out inside the stomach, ileum, colon and cecum, which allows you to adjust the sampling area depending on the nature of the desired sample.

The device of the present invention is simple, inexpensive, reliable and easy to use, does not need constant monitoring, and can be reusable. The device of the present invention can be removed and the sample is easily removed and analyzed using a variety of biological, chemical and physical studies. Both liquid and solid substances can be selected using the device of the present invention.

The device according to the invention can record environmental changes over a long period of time, for example, within 24 hours. In particular, environmental changes along the gastrointestinal tract of the animal. The device of the invention can download data stored on a computer and is easily reprogrammed for reuse. The device according to the invention can detect and record the time, pH and / or temperature at which a sample was obtained.

In particular, the device according to the invention can collect a large number of samples, thanks to its separate compartment, which is pushed out, creating an increased volume or space for the sample to be taken and stored.

In a first aspect of the invention, sampling devices are provided. A sampling device comprises a housing, the housing comprising a chamber, at least one opening, actuating means and a separate compartment, the separate compartment being fixed with the possibility of separation inside the housing, the actuating means permitting the internal substance to be drawn through the opening into the chamber and at the same time pushes a separate compartment along the housing until a separate compartment is pushed out of the housing of the sampling device, thereby creating an enlarged space or bemsya for receiving and storing selection of the sample within the sample chamber device.

In some embodiments, a sampling device may be used to take a sample from a closed system of any shape, such as fish tanks, process vessels, bioprocesses, various agricultural systems, or any systems in which human / physical intervention is of practical importance and / or there are production or factory pipes.

In specific embodiments, the implementation of the device for sampling according to the invention is intended for sampling of internal substance from the gastrointestinal tract of the animal.

The terms “sample”, “substance” and “internal substance” are used interchangeably and refer to any liquid, solid phase, particle or gas that can be sampled by a device, more specifically, these terms can also refer to intestinal or luminal contents, or digestion products, when it comes to sampling inside the animal’s gastrointestinal tract. Fluid can, for example, be found in the stomach, small and large intestine. Such liquids may contain solids or components in solution (or suspensions), such as dietary components, drugs, food components; digestion products, microbial metabolites, gases such as oxygen, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, methane, hydrogen sulfide, etc. can also be detected.

In particular, the device is designed to withstand any pressure (such as chewing) and / or environmental changes. In particular, the device is intended for movement along the gastrointestinal tract of an animal. The device must be able to withstand gastrointestinal motility, as well as the chemical and mechanical environment of the gastrointestinal tract.

Different materials may be used for each individual component of the sampling device. In particular, the material used determines the texture and / or hardness of the device. The materials may be hard, soft, smooth and / or flexible, and the preference for the material used depends on its use.

Typically, the device may be made of any non-digestible, non-biodegradable, non-immunogenic, non-bioreactive or impermeable material. In particular, the material used to make the devices can be any biologically inert polymeric material, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, acrylics and the like, ceramics or metals, for example stainless steel, preferably with a smooth surface that facilitates swallowing and transportation, and at least one surface that is impervious to radiation or inclusion, so that, if necessary, it can be observed radiographically.

Thermoplastic materials such as polycarbonates, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), high density polyethylene (HDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), ether polymer (PEEK) or polypropylene (PP) can be used.

Preferably, the outer surface of the device is made of polycarbonate. Polycarbonate may be translucent in order to facilitate a visual assessment of the sample contained. Other components are preferably made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). In particular, PTFE can be used for internal components of the device, where the flexible nature of this material allows the formation of a seal between two adjacent surfaces.

All materials used in the sampling device are inert and safe for food and / or medical use.

In some embodiments, the device may be in the form of a capsule or pill. The capsule may be cylindrical with rounded, conical or flattened ends. The shape of the device may be partially spherical.

A device for sampling, and in particular the various components of a device for sampling, are manufactured using conventional tools and / or methods known in the art. In particular, the sampling device and components can be manufactured using additive methods, such as 3D printing, or reductive methods, such as CNC machining, known to those skilled in the art.

In particular, the device is preferably suitable for swallowing and for consumption by animals. Capsules known in the art have sizes from 26 mm to 30 mm x 11 mm to 15 mm (length x width).

A particular advantage of the present invention is that although the sampling device may be the same size as similar devices known in the art, a separate compartment inside the sampling device is ejected, creating an increased volume or space for the sample, which will be selected and / or saved. Depending on the animal, size, breed and / or species, the device will vary in size, as described herein. The dimensions of the device can vary from about 10 mm to 70 mm in length and from 3 mm to 25 mm in width. In particular, the dimensions of the device may be approximately 10-15 mm and approximately 3-7 mm, approximately 15-25 mm x approximately 7-12 mm, approximately 20-30 mm x approximately 10-17 mm, approximately 30-40 mm x approximately 15-20 mm, about 10-20 mm x about 3-20 mm, about 35-65 mm x about 7-23 mm, or about 40-70 mm x about 10-25 mm and / or any combination thereof.

Depending on the size of the capsule used, the device of the invention is capable of producing a sample with a volume of from about 0.11 ml to about 20 ml. In particular, the sample volume may be from about 0.11 ml to 3 ml, from about 1 ml to 5 ml, from about 3 ml to 7 ml, from about 7 ml to about 13 ml, from about 10 ml to 15 ml, from about 13 ml to 17 ml or about 15 ml to 20 ml and / or any combination thereof. In a specific example of the invention, the device may have an internal volume of 1.53 cm ³ and may be able to receive and store a 1.3 ml sample, which is 85% of the available internal volume.

Most preferably, the device has a size of from about 20 to 25 mm x from about 9 to 12 mm (length x width).

The device has a modular design consisting of one or more components. In particular, a device is assembled from one or more components. One component may comprise actuation means and a hole. Another component may include a housing. Another component may contain a standalone separate compartment.

The various components of the sampling device can be formed separately and easily assembled together to form a sampling device and / or individual parts of the sampling device.

In some embodiments, a sampling device may comprise two halves connected to at least one other by one or more elements and / or a housing.

In some aspects of the invention, the sampling device comprises a housing, the housing comprising a chamber, at least one opening, actuating means, and a separate compartment in which a separate compartment is secured so as to be separated inside the housing by means of a holding means and in which the driving means into the action allows the internal substance to be drawn through the hole into the chamber and at the same time pushes a separate compartment along the body until the specified separate compartment is pushed out Xia selection of the device body sample, thereby creating an enlarged space or volume for receiving and storing the sample in the sampling device camera.

In other aspects of the invention, the sampling device comprises a housing, the housing comprising a chamber, at least one opening, actuating means, and a separate compartment in which a separate compartment is secured so as to be detachable within the housing by means of a holding means that is activated by using a launching means, wherein the actuation means allows the internal substance to be drawn through the opening into the chamber and at the same time pushes a separate compartment along the housing until eye said separate compartment is not ejected from the apparatus for sampling, thereby providing larger space or volume for receiving and storing selection of the sample within the sample chamber device.

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a sampling device comprising a housing, wherein the housing comprises a chamber, at least one opening, actuating means, and a separate compartment, the separate compartment being secured so as to be detachable within the housing using a holding means that represents a material that responds to changes in the external environment of the device, and where the means of actuation provides the ability to retract the internal substance through the specified hole in specified and at the same time pushes a separate compartment along the housing until the specified separate is pushed out of the housing or device for sampling, thereby creating an increased space or volume for receiving and storing the specified sample inside the chamber of the sampling device.

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a housing for a sampling device, the housing comprising a chamber, at least one opening, actuation means and a separate compartment, the separate compartment being secured with the possibility of separation inside the housing using a holding means, where the holding means is a locking mechanism between the housing and a separate compartment and where the actuation means allows the internal substance to be drawn through the opening into the chamber and at the same time a separate compartment is pushed along the housing until a separate compartment is ejected from the housing of the sampling device, thereby creating an increased space or volume for receiving and storing the sample inside the chamber of the sampling device.

In yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a sampling device comprising a housing, the housing comprising a chamber, at least one opening, actuating means, and a separate compartment in which a separate compartment is secured so as to be disconnected within the housing by means of a holding means and where the actuation means allows the internal substance to be drawn through the opening into the chamber and at the same time pushes a separate compartment along the housing until a separate compartment is pushed out from the housing of the sampling device, thereby creating an increased space or volume for receiving and storing the sample inside the chamber of the sampling device, where the actuation means is tied to the closure means and where the movement of the actuation means causes the closure means to block hole.

The device for sampling contains a housing. The housing contains a camera, at least one hole and a separate compartment. In particular, the casing is a shell, which contains a means of actuation and a separate compartment inside the device for sampling.

In some embodiments, the housing may be made of polycarbonate.

In particular, the sampling device according to the invention is suitable for reuse. In particular, an individual component can be unscrewed and reused several times. The entire device can be reused. In certain embodiments, a material that responds to the external environment of the device, the battery (s), and / or starting means may require replacement, for example, a Eudrajite washer, a washer of plastic material, a fusible insert, or a battery.

The housing of the sampling device according to the invention may have one or more holes.

In particular, the sampling device has at least one opening. The hole may be an inlet and / or outlet. The hole may be an aperture or hole at one or both ends of the housing. In particular embodiments, the opening is an inlet that passes a sample into the body of the sampling device, preferably into a chamber. Alternatively, the opening may be an outlet that allows a separate compartment to be pushed out of the body of the sampling device. In particular, there can be two openings in the casing, one at each end of the casing at opposite ends of the sampling device (inlet and outlet).

In some embodiments, the inlet may be a valve. The valve may be any valve known in the art and will depend on the use of the sampling device. The valve contains an aperture. The valve can be made of rubber or synthetic elastomer. Preferably, the valve is made of an elastomer that is resistant to low pressure and therefore discloses an aperture. In other embodiments, the implementation of the hole may be inlet and outlet. The hole may be a two-way valve. Most preferably, the opening is a one-way valve.

In some embodiments, the aperture includes an aperture without a valve.

The device for sampling contains a means of actuation.

In particular, the actuation means is installed in the first configuration and can be translated into the second configuration inside the housing of the sampling device. The first configuration is a compressed state, and the second configuration is an expanded state. The actuation means helps to draw the sample into the body of the sampling device, preferably into the chamber.

In particular, the actuation means allows the sample to be drawn through an opening into the chamber of the device casing and at the same time pushes a separate compartment along the casing until a separate compartment is ejected from the device.

The actuation means may be any object or element that is capable of storing internal energy for a period of time inside the device. In particular, the actuation means may be a system and / or an object capable of driving another object or element into motion and / or action, for example, providing force to translate an individual compartment from a fixed and compressed state to an uncompressed and pushed state.

The actuation means may include a spring, a chemical reaction (gas evolution and pressure generation), an electronically-driven motor (such as an electric motor or pump), a compressed air energy storage device, or a vacuum energy storage device.

The actuation means stores an amount of internal energy, preferably for a predetermined time under various predetermined conditions.

The actuation means is kept compressed when a separate compartment is in place.

The actuation means may comprise an elastic element. In particular, it may contain any object capable of storing kinetic energy and / or capable of moving. The elastic element may be a spring and / or plunger / piston.

The actuation means at least comprises a plunger / piston. The actuation means may comprise a plunger / piston and a spring, a plunger / piston and an electronically-driven motor, etc. In some embodiments, the plunger / piston may be transferred from the first configuration to a second configuration inside the housing of the device for sampling through a chemical reaction inside the housing of the device, in which gas is released and / or pressure is generated.

The movement of the actuation means (for example, a spring connected to a plunger / piston or a plunger / piston pushed along the housing by another means) simultaneously pushes a separate compartment from the housing of the sampling device.

In particular, the actuating means draws the sample through the opening of the sampling device into the chamber and at the same time pushes a separate compartment along the length of the housing of the sampling device until a separate compartment is pushed out of the housing of the sampling device.

In specific embodiments, the actuating means includes a spring.

Typically, a spring is a resilient object, such as a coil of wire, that regains its original shape after being compressed or stretched and the energy stored up during a return to its original state. The spring may include any type of spring, such as a coil spring, a conical spring, a torsion spring, a compression spring or a wave spring, etc. The spring can be made of any material that is resistant and resilient, such as stainless steel or another metal or alloy.

In a particular embodiment, the spring acts as a drive. The device is held compressed in a separate compartment. The spring can move the plunger / piston along the housing (for example, along the length of the housing) pushing a separate compartment out of the housing of the sampling device, transferring the actuating means from its first compressed configuration to a second expanded configuration. The driving force of the spring creates a short-term vacuum, as it is expanded along the body, and / or capillary action, in which the sample is drawn into the body of the sampling device, preferably into the chamber through the hole.

When a separate compartment is not in place (i.e., has been pushed out of the housing of the sampling device), the locking means at the end of the housing of the sampling device prevents the plunger / piston from exiting the device.

The movement of a separate compartment ejected from the body of the sampling device is caused by the actuating means.

Preferably, the actuation means is a spring and a plunger device, or a spring and a piston device.

In some embodiments, the actuating means is connected to one end of the body of the sampling device, and a separate compartment is at least secured so as to be separable by means of retaining means inside the body at the opposite end of the sampling device.

In particular, when the actuation means reaches the opposite end of the housing, it is able to form a seal so that the device is sealed.

In particular, the actuating means is connected to the valve. In particular, the actuation means and the valve are connected in the holder. The holder can be made of any material, in particular polycarbonate. When connecting the actuating means and the valve in the holder, a retaining ring, such as an annular seal, can be used.

The term "connected" refers to two or more objects that are attached to each other directly or through one or more intermediate elements, or are held next to each other.

In particular, the actuation means and the hole are separate components of the sampling device, which can be attached and / or attached to the body of the sampling device. Preferably, the actuation means and the hole are connected together in a separate component that is screwed into one end of the device body.

The plunger / piston may be made of polytetrafluoroethylene.

In particular, the actuation means (for example, a plunger / piston) is provided with a protrusion that may engage with a separate compartment. The protrusion is located in the center of a separate compartment, so that a separate compartment moves linearly when pushed out under the force exerted by the actuating means. In particular, the protrusion is located on the upper surface of the actuation means. The protrusion may include a magnet, an inductive coil or a light source.

In specific embodiments of the invention, the sampling device includes a closure means.

Closing means is an object that encloses an aperture. In particular, the closing means may block any of the openings. The closure means may be any shape of an element or object that can block or block the opening of the device, such as a ball of thermoplastic material or the like, forming a seal in the opening of the device. A closing means helps to close the hole. The closure may be a barrier, ball, cover, or something else. In particular, the closing means may be attached to the actuation means. In particular, the closure means may be coupled to the actuation means and the holding means.

The term “tethered,” “tied,” or “tied” refers to a cord of any shape, a retainer, or a flexible means of attachment that secures something movable to another element or part, which may also be movable or secured.

In another embodiment, the actuation means (e.g., plunger / piston) is tied to a closure which is retracted while the actuation means moves along the body of the sampling device. In particular, while the actuation means is moving, the harness is tensioned and inserted into the body of the sampling device until the closing means reaches the opening. The closing means may be pulled or pushed into the hole, forming a closed device. At the same time, the actuation means pulled the sample into the device chamber and a separate component is pushed out. Thus, the sample is sealed inside the device.

In particular, the housing of the sampling device includes a locking means.

The locking means prevents the actuating means (e.g., plunger / piston) from being pushed out of the housing. The locking means may be any protrusion and / or additional element or object that blocks the passage to another object or stops it at a given point. In particular, the locking means is a protrusion that prevents the actuating means from exiting the housing. The locking means may be located at the end of the housing where a separate compartment is pushed. It functions by preventing the further release of actuation means (e.g., plunger / piston) and together with a separate compartment that is pushed out of the device. In particular, the locking means acts to prevent the actuating means from being ejected and thereby seal the device.

The locking means may be an edge, a tooth, a protrusion or a pin.

The device for sampling contains a separate compartment, the separate compartment being an autonomous compartment. A separate compartment can be freely inserted and / or installed in the housing of the sampling device.

In particular, a separate compartment is a closed compartment that can be unscrewed at any time for reuse. A separate compartment consists of two separate components, a housing and a cover. The cover is connected to the appropriate electronics and to a power source (e.g. battery). The cover can be screwed into the housing of a separate compartment and tightly sealed. In particular, the cap may further comprise an annular seal.

In particular, the separate compartment is breathable and waterproof.

The interface of the lid and enclosure of a separate compartment can be coated with food-grade silicone grease to provide sealing. Appropriate electronic components can be encapsulated in polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) sealing material in order to prevent contamination by liquid, grease or other material that could interfere with the proper functioning of the electronic components.

In some embodiments, the device and / or individual component may be reusable. In particular, a separate compartment can be reprogrammed. For example, it can be reconfigured, for example, to a different sampling frequency. The device may be specified by the user, and not be unchanged. The device allows some flexibility in its configuration. This is achieved using a spring contact for serial data transfer and related software.

In some embodiments, the implementation of a separate compartment includes any associated electronic circuitry and at least a battery. Preferably, the separate compartment includes at least a battery, a sensor, and a microprocessor.

Typically, the device may include a printed circuit board (PCB), which includes a microcontroller (PIC microcontroller), a sensor (such as a glass microelectrode for measuring pH and a reference microelectrode for measuring pH), an LED, a release detection switch, a battery connection, various electrical resistances and capacitors and / or power supply. Figure 10 is a block diagram showing various electrical components that may be in a separate compartment of the device.

A sampling device may include a battery. In particular, such as a battery inside a separate compartment.

The battery may be any form of battery known in the art, such as a lithium fluorocarbon pin or flat round battery. Miniature batteries can be made of alkaline, lithium, silver, etc. and / or combinations thereof and are available in various sizes.

In particular, the battery is capable of operating for at least 24 hours. The battery may be rechargeable.

A single compartment may contain one or more batteries.

Essentially, the device may turn on when a battery is inserted; the device is initialized, and then again and again passes through the movement along the specified path of the main loop circuit, see Fig. eleven.

Typically, when the power is turned on, the software initializes and determines the configuration bits, ports, clocks, universal asynchronous transceiver, and watchdog timer.

The parameters are loaded from the electronic erasable programmable read-only memory, in which the parameters to be loaded can be the device identifier, log address, sampling frequency, pre-awakening time, number of packets and sample number.

Device ID is the serial number of the device. The journal address is the address where the following logged data will be stored. Sample rate is the frequency at which data is written to the log. The pre-wake-up time is set so that the microprocessor can reach its normal operating state. The number of packets is the number of samples taken per interval, and the number of samples is the number of samples taken before the sample was received and recorded.

The device then enters the main loop in which it checks for a serial interface. If a serial interface is present, the device enters debug mode, in which various parameters can be manipulated. In the absence of a serial interface, the watchdog timer triggers an awakening event, during which data is sampled from the analog-to-digital converter and written to flash memory. The device can then re-enter standby mode until the timer triggers the next wake-up event.

In some embodiments, the implementation of a separate compartment further comprises a flash memory that can record data. The data is stored and then downloaded when a separate compartment is removed or is in real-time transmitting state to a remote entity (i.e. via wireless data transmission).

A wireless data transmission system may consist of two parts. The first part is a device that contains a radio frequency transmitter circuit, an antenna, and processing means with built-in software for controlling transmissions, for example, a microcircuit inserted in a device (for example, radio frequency identification (RFID)). The second part consists of a radio frequency receiver circuit and an antenna. Such wireless transmission is also effective in localizing the device.

The second part has a number of possible embodiments, including, but not limited to, a rug that can be laid on the nursery floor; a small unit that can be installed on the floor, wall or ceiling; a collar, belt, jacket, boot, ear piercing or other form that can be worn by animals on the outside or placed in the external environment of a closed system in which the device is used (for example, outside a fish tank, outside factory pipes, etc.).

The second part also includes means for storing the received data and transmitting this data to operators or other equipment. Data transmission to the user either through the first part or through the second part of wireless data transmission can be in the form of light indicators, speakers or acoustic devices, or a graphic display, for example, suitable signals (such as buzzer).

Data transmitted between the first part and the second part may include, but are not limited to, pH measurements using a device; temperature measurement using the device; measuring other sensors using the device, other status information from the device, such as battery level, sampling status, etc .; data that has been correctly processed by the device and derived from other indications, for example, warnings to indicate the estimated location of the device in the gastrointestinal tract (i.e. exit from the stomach, enter the ileum, etc.).

Data transfer by the second part to other equipment may include standard or specialized communication interfaces for wired communication (for example, Ethernet, USB, serial cable, etc.), standard or specialized wireless communication (for example, Bluetooth, GSM, Wi-Fi) , a storage device with removable media such as an SD card, a USB data encryption key, etc.

A separate compartment may include a pressure switch. In particular, the switch is configured to record times at which a separate compartment is ejected from the body of the sampling device.

The switch may be a contact switch or a proximity switch. The contact switch can be a reed switch, a pressure switch, or a proximity switch, which can be an inductive coil integrated in a microprocessor or an optical switch such as an LED and a pair of photodiodes.

Preferably, the switch is a pressure switch.

The pressure switch interacts with a small protrusion on the upper surface of the actuation means (e.g., plunger / piston). The actuation means and the separate compartment exert pressure on each other and thus maintain contact with each other by means of a protrusion and a pressure switch. In particular, when the device is driven through the holding means, a separate compartment is at least partially released and at least partially disconnected from the actuation means.

In particular, the switch closes when a separate compartment and actuation means engage. When a separate compartment and actuation means are disengaged, the switch opens. As a rule, when the switch opens, this leads to a cut in the time at which the sample was received and a separate compartment was pushed out. Usually this is the moment when a separate compartment is pushed out of the device.

In alternative embodiments, the switch may be a reed switch. The reed switch can be held in a closed configuration by means of a magnet located on the actuation means, in particular, inside the protrusion on the actuation means. When a separate compartment is pushed out, the magnet and the reed switch are no longer in contact, the reed switch, therefore, opens and gives a signal that the sample has been captured.

In other embodiments, the switch may be an inductive coil. An induction coil device is located between the actuation means and a separate compartment, as a result of which a current is induced in the coil of a separate compartment. When a separate compartment is pushed out, there is no longer any induction current in the coil of the separate compartment, indicating that the sample has been captured.

In other embodiments, the switch may be an optical switch. The optical switch may be a small light source (for example, a light emitting diode) and a photosensitive resistor, which are located between the actuation means and a separate compartment, so that the light acts on the electrical resistance of the photosensitive resistor. When a separate compartment is pushed out, the light source can no longer act on the photosensitive resistor, and the resulting change in resistance is interpreted as a signal that the sample has been captured.

A device for sampling may include a sensor. In particular, a separate compartment includes a sensor. In particular, the sensor may be a pH sensor and / or a temperature sensor. The device can also use other sensors that are capable of sensing and transmitting signals about other environmental factors, such as pressure, analyte, etc.

In particular, the sensor may protrude from the surface of a separate compartment so that it is exposed to the external environment of the sampling device.

In preferred embodiments, the sensor is a pH sensor / meter, which may include a glass microelectrode for measuring pH and a reference microelectrode for measuring pH.

A typical pH meter consists of a measuring probe (such as a glass electrode) and a reference probe connected to an electronic meter that measures and displays or records pH readings. Various pH meters are known in the art that can be used in this invention. Preferred pH measurement components for the present invention include a glass microelectrode in combination with a reference microelectrode. Alternative embodiments may include ion selective field effect transistors, solid state reference electrodes, or other suitable techniques well known in the art.

In particular, the circuit board of the device may comprise a pH circuit. The circuit can record the pH level during the passage of the device (for example, along the gastrointestinal tract), the circuit comprising at least an electrode for measuring pH, a reference electrode, a microprocessor, a switch assembly, and a power source.

As a rule, software and electronics will be connected via an interface with the input of a miniature pH sensor to an analog-to-digital converter, with a reference voltage in a reference electrode for measuring pH, with a switch contact that determines the configuration status of the device as open or closed, with universal asynchronous transceiver (UART) for loading stored data and performing diagnostic functions, with a detection circuit connected to the UART, and with an LED connected to the UART transmission line.

In some embodiments, the pH sensor circuit is designed without amplifiers, but instead limits the positive and negative reference voltages for the analog-to-digital converter in the microcontroller to the appropriate output voltage range. The reference voltage of the sensor is compensated by a simple resistor divider network. A processor is required that includes a voltage reference signal that can be output, and an analog-to-digital converter. With fewer components compared to a more traditional design, the pH sensor fits more easily into a small space. An abbreviated circuit with a simple resistor divider network instead of amplifiers is a suitable approach for the technical requirements of a sampling device.

Typically, the pH sensor depends on the pH of the condition under which it is inserted, which can be pre-programmed to react / respond to a specific pH condition depending on the environment in which the device is placed, for example, locations along the gastrointestinal tract and / or chamber (i.e. for bioprocessing / fishing / other processing, etc.) and / or other agricultural systems. The pH sensor can be pre-programmed to activate at pH levels of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 or 14 and / or any ranges and / or combinations thereof. For example, you can pre-program so that at pH below 4 the device is transferred to its second configuration (for example, in the stomach), or program so that at pH 5, the device is transferred to its second configuration (for example, in the small or large intestine and / or only when entering the small or large intestine). Activation may include a time element such that activation is delayed for a predetermined time after a certain pH level is detected. Activation can also be programmed so that prior to initiating activation, pH adjustment is required. For example, so that the retaining means does not come loose.

In particular, the glass electrode may protrude from the surface of a separate compartment, so that it is exposed to the external environment of the sampling device so as to enable it to measure pH with an accuracy of ± 0.5 pH units (accuracy 5%) and the ability to take several readings (e.g., about 3,000 readings or more) that can be preconfigured to determine the frequency with which it is measured and recorded.

In particular, the sensor / meter can be connected to the battery and corresponding electronic circuits inside a separate compartment.

In addition, the circuit can also record the moment of activation at which point the sample is pulled into the housing (i.e., collected). This is achieved by monitoring the opening of the switch (i.e. when the switch is open and is no longer in contact and / or engaged with the actuation means).

In some embodiments, the device may further include a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a biosensor and / or a solute sensor or the like.

In some embodiments, a sensor / meter may be programmed to release a retention agent with respect to a particular pH unit, point in time, temperature, solute concentration, or any combination of these parameters. For example, such programming may include: a period of 60 minutes after the pH rises to about pH3 or the pH rises to about 2pH units and remains elevated for the next 3 minutes, etc.

In some embodiments, the sampling device further comprises a holding means that holds a separate compartment with the possibility of separation within the housing of the sampling device. In particular, the housing of the sampling device includes a holding means.

The holding means temporarily prevents the actuating means (e.g., plunger / piston) from being pushed out of the housing until a predetermined time and / or condition. The restraining means may be any element or object, or mechanism, which delays the release of a single compartment from the device body. In particular, the holding means fixes a separate compartment inside the device body and holds the device in a compressed and closed configuration.

The restraint may be activated passively or actively.

In particular, the holding means can be activated automatically, pre-programmed and / or activated remotely.

In some embodiments, the holding means may be a material that responds to changes in the external environment of the device and / or blocking mechanism and / or fastening means.

In some embodiments, the holding means may be a material that responds to changes in the environment of the device. The holding means may take the form of a coating, a pin and / or washer. In preferred embodiments, the holding means is in the form of a coating. The coating may surround the entire device or may partially cover only certain parts of the device or be located in a specific part of the device.

Typically, a device may encounter differences in physiological characteristics, such as pH, pressure, temperature, enzymatic activity and (for example, depending on whether the device is in the stomach, colon, etc., especially when moving along the gastrointestinal tract intestinal tract of an animal). Therefore, the external environment of the device is variable. In specific embodiments, the sampling device may include a retention aid, that is, a material that responds to pH, temperature, light, humidity, solute concentration or enzymatic activity, or concentration. In particular, the material may decompose, digest, or dissolve.

Material may surround the entire device or partially cover only certain parts of the device or be in a specific part of the device. The material may be located and / or cover the end of the device from which a separate compartment is pushed. The material may also cover an opening, for example, inlet, outlet and / or inlet and outlet. In particular, the material may be in the form of a coating, a pin and / or washer.

In some embodiments, the holding means may be a material that responds to environmental changes, the holding means being a coating material. The coating may surround the entire device and / or parts of the device. The coating helps the device hold a separate compartment inside the case.

In some embodiments, the holding means may be a material that responds to environmental changes, the holding means being a washer material. The washer helps to keep a separate compartment inside the housing.

In some embodiments, the holding means may be a material that responds to environmental changes, the holding means being a material that may be in the form of a coating and washers, thereby keeping the separate compartment inside the housing and also keeping the washer dry and keeping the mechanical strength of the washer intact .

The material gradually dissolves upon contact with a change in pH, a change in temperature, a change in light radiation, a change in humidity, a change in the concentration of a solute or an enzymatic medium. The rate of decomposition, digestibility and / or solubility can be controlled by differences in the chemical structure of the material, and differences in the thickness and / or shape of similar materials, or both. In particular, a material may require two or more layers of the same material or different materials.

In some embodiments, the implementation of the pH-sensitive material may contain and / or consist of a pH-sensitive material that decomposes in an alkaline environment or in an acidic environment. The decomposition rate can be controlled both by differences in the chemical structure of the material, and differences in the thickness of the coating and / or the shape of similar materials, or both.

In some embodiments, the first material / layer dissolves in response to the first pH, the first temperature, the first wavelength of light, the first concentration of a soluble substance or the first enzymatic activity, and the second material / layer dissolves in response to a second, different pH, another temperature, another a wavelength of light, a different concentration of solute, or other enzymatic activity.

The material may be pH dependent and dissolve in the stomach upon contact with gastric acid and under acidic conditions at pH 4, or in the colon when alkaline conditions, such as pH 5 to 6 or above 7, and / or any combination thereof .

In specific embodiments, the material may be cellulose, acetate phthalate, glycerol stearates, paraffin, epoxy compounds or poly (methyl) acrylates such as Eudrazhit® L, S or E. Preferably, the material is Eudrazhit® L, S or E.

In some embodiments, the implementation of the material may contain and / or consist of a heat-sensitive material, which decomposes with increasing or decreasing temperature. The heat-sensitive material may be an adhesive, a material similar to an adhesive, or a plastic material. In particular, the plastic material may be a paraffin plastic material, microcrystalline plastic material, ester plastic material, polyester plastic material or plant plastic material. A preferred embodiment may be a paraffin plastic material with a melting point above the body temperature of the animal. Figure 8K shows an example of a heat-sensitive material as a holding agent.

In some embodiments, the material may comprise and / or consist of a photosensitive material that decomposes at a specific wavelength, such as adhesive and / or other similar materials known in the art. In particular, when the material is exposed to light, for example, when exposed to a light emitting diode, (glue) the material decomposes. In FIG. 8L shows an example of a photosensitive material as a holding means.

In some embodiments, the implementation of the material may contain and / or consist of a material that decomposes when the moisture content changes for concentration in the solution.

In some embodiments, the material may comprise and / or consist of material that decomposes upon a change in enzymatic activity and / or concentration.

In alternative embodiments, the holding means may be a blocking mechanism. In particular, the locking mechanism may be located between the housing and a separate compartment. In some embodiments, the holding means may comprise material that responds to changes in the external environment of the device and the locking mechanism. A material that responds to environmental changes can react to pH, temperature, light, humidity, solute concentration or enzymatic activity, or concentration. In particular, the material may decompose, digest, or dissolve.

Material may surround the entire device or partially cover only certain parts of the device or be in a specific part of the device. The material may be located and / or cover the end of the device from which a separate compartment is pushed. The material may also cover an opening, for example, inlet, outlet and / or inlet and outlet. In particular, the material may be in the form of a coating, a pin and / or washer. The material may be in the form of a coating.

The material gradually dissolves upon contact with a change in pH, a change in temperature, a change in light radiation, a change in humidity, a change in the concentration of a solute or an enzymatic medium. The rate of decomposition, digestibility and / or solubility can be controlled by differences in the chemical structure of the material, and differences in the thickness and / or shape of similar materials, or both. In particular, a material may require two or more layers of the same material or different materials.

In some embodiments, the implementation of the pH-sensitive material may contain and / or consist of a pH-sensitive material that decomposes in an alkaline environment or in an acidic environment. The decomposition rate can be controlled both by differences in the chemical structure of the material, and differences in the thickness of the coating and / or the shape of similar materials, or both.

In some embodiments, the first material / layer dissolves in response to the first pH, the first temperature, the first wavelength of light, the first concentration of a soluble substance or the first enzymatic activity, and the second material / layer dissolves in response to a second, different pH, another temperature, another a wavelength of light, a different concentration of solute, or other enzymatic activity.

The material may be pH-dependent and dissolve in the stomach upon contact with gastric acid and under acidic conditions at pH or in the colon, when in alkaline conditions such as pH 5 to 6 or above 7, and / or any combination thereof.

In specific embodiments, the material may be cellulose, acetate phthalate, glycerol stearates, paraffin, epoxy compounds or poly (methyl) acrylates such as Eudrazhit® L, S or E. Preferably, the material is Eudrazhit® L, S or E.

In some embodiments, the implementation of the material may contain and / or consist of a heat-sensitive material, which decomposes with increasing or decreasing temperature. The heat-sensitive material may be an adhesive, a material similar to an adhesive, or a plastic material. In particular, the plastic material may be a paraffin plastic material, microcrystalline plastic material, ester plastic material, polyester plastic material or plant plastic material. A preferred embodiment may be a paraffin plastic material with a melting point above the body temperature of the animal. Figure 8K shows an example of a heat-sensitive material as a holding agent.

In some embodiments, the material may comprise and / or consist of a photosensitive material that decomposes at a specific wavelength, such as adhesive and / or other similar materials known in the art. In particular, when the material is exposed to light, for example, when exposed to a light emitting diode, (glue) the material decomposes. In FIG. 8L shows an example of a photosensitive material as a holding means.

In some embodiments, the implementation of the material may contain and / or consist of a material that decomposes when the moisture content changes for concentration in the solution.

In some embodiments, the material may comprise and / or consist of material that decomposes upon a change in enzymatic activity and / or concentration.

Typically, the blocking mechanism is a mechanical element that makes it possible to connect one or more elements that can / are able to act on individual elements and / or other objects during movement or operation.

In particular, the blocking mechanism may be secured or released by rotational, radial or linear motion, or by means.

In particular, the restraining means may be (i) a rotary (i.e. rotational) locking mechanism or (ii) a radial locking mechanism or (iii) a linear locking mechanism.

In some embodiments, the implementation of the locking mechanism may be rotational, such as a bayonet mount, a rotating point latch, a set of rotating magnets or electromagnets (see their representations in Figures 8C and 8I). Preferably, the rotation locking mechanism is a bayonet mount.

Bayonet mounts are generally known in the art as fasteners which consist of a plug side with one or more radial pins, and a receptacle receptacle with corresponding L-shaped groove (s) and spring (s) so that both parts were hooked and locked together. The grooves may be in the form of a capital letter L with serifs (a short ascending segment at the end of the horizontal shoulder); the pin slides in the vertical shoulder L, rotates across the horizontal shoulder, then is slightly pushed upward into a short vertical "notch" by the spring; the connector can no longer rotate freely if it does not press on the spring until the pin comes out of the “notch” and, therefore, is unlocked and released.

In particular, where the holding means may be a bayonet mount, actuation means (e.g., plunger / piston) are attached to the opening of the device so that it cannot rotate when in a compressed state. The separate compartment is rotatable relative to the attachment means until the locking mechanism of the bayonet mount is aligned so that the separate compartment is no longer held, and thus the separate compartment is released. Thus, when the pressure in the device body is relieved and thus the actuation means is expanded along the body, pushing a separate compartment from the device from the first compressed configuration to the second expanded configuration.

In specific embodiments, the pivoting mechanism may be a rotatable point latch. In particular, the pin may serve as an obstacle to the locking means on the device body. When activated, the device rotates under the action of a driving force so that it cleans the locking means and a separate compartment is released. Figure 8C shows an example of a locking mechanism of a rotary point latch.

In specific embodiments, the pivoting mechanism may be a set of rotating magnets. In particular, permanent magnets are contained in the wall of the housing and a separate compartment. When held upright, the magnet attraction holds a separate compartment inside the device. When exposed to a rotational force, the magnets move unevenly, and the attractive force is lost. Then a separate compartment is released. Figure 8I shows an example of rotating magnets as a rotary locking mechanism.

In specific embodiments, the pivoting mechanism may be electromagnetic. In particular, electromagnets embedded in the walls of a separate compartment and housing are excited in such a way that they are attracted. This attraction is enough to prevent the movement of a separate compartment relative to the housing. When the exciting current is removed, the two compartments are no longer held by the force of attraction, and then a separate compartment is released.

In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may be radial, such as a compressible material (i.e., a rubber O-ring), a flexural friction member, a snap ring, or a retractable gripper (see their representations in Figures 8A, 8B or 8G). Preferably, the radial locking mechanism is a compressible material such as a rubber o-ring washer.

In specific embodiments, the implementation of the radial locking mechanism may be any compressible material. In some embodiments, the material may be elastomeric. In particular, the compressible material may be an annular sealing washer or a flexible strip element. In particular, a ring of compressible material is compressed between the lid and the housing of a separate compartment. This compression leads to the fact that the material of the annular seal expand beyond (radially) so that it comes into contact with the inner surface of the housing of the device. The resulting friction is sufficient to prevent the ejection of a separate compartment and, therefore, its fixing with the possibility of separation. The compression of the ring is reduced under a certain condition and / or at a given time, reducing friction between the individual compartment and the housing, and thereby freeing up a separate compartment.

In specific embodiments, the radial locking mechanism may be a bent element. The longitudinal elements on the outer surface of a separate compartment are held in a compressed state so that they are forced to bend. These elements come into contact with the inner surface of the device body, causing frictional grazing of moving parts, which prevents the release of a separate compartment. Under a certain condition and / or at a predetermined time, the compression of the longitudinal elements is reduced, reducing friction between the individual compartment and the housing, which makes it possible to release a separate compartment. On figa shows an example of a radial locking mechanism-element with a bend.

In specific embodiments, the radial mechanism may be a snap ring. Typically, a snap ring is a clasp shape made up of a semi-flexible metal ring with open ends that can allow rotation but inhibit lateral movement. In particular, the snap ring is mounted in a groove on the outer surface of a separate compartment. The snap ring may interfere with the locking means of the device body. The spring ring is compressed together under a certain condition and / or at a predetermined time, reducing its diameter and allowing it to move the locking means further, which makes it possible to release a separate compartment. Figure 8B shows an example of a radial locking mechanism - a spring ring.

In specific embodiments, the radial mechanism may be a retractable gripper. In particular, the strip of material is deformed in such a way that it protrudes through the apertures on the side of a separate compartment and engages with elements on the inner wall of the device body. These features obstruct the strip in order to prevent the release of a separate compartment. Under a certain condition and / or at a given time, the strip relaxes and departs from these elements, which makes it possible to release a separate compartment. Figure 8G shows an example of a retractable gripper as a radial locking mechanism.

In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may be linear, such as a deformable edge and / or sleeve, a tab or pin at the end of the housing, or a pin that holds the separate compartment in place, or a bimetal latch that protrudes through the housing, holding the separate compartment in place , electromagnets and / or shape memory alloy (see their representations in Figures 8D, 8E, 8F, 8H or 8J). Preferably, the linear locking mechanism is a pin that pushes a separate compartment into place.

In specific embodiments, the linear locking mechanism may be a deformable edge. In particular, the body portion is deformable, so that when pressed, a separate compartment is released. As a rule, cuts (for example, edges) are made in the device body so that they are more easily deformed. In particular, such cuts are made of a deformable material, such as an alloy with shape memory. Under a certain condition and / or at a predetermined time, a separate compartment is pushed against cuts that are folded back to release a separate compartment, and then return to their normal state to stop the release of the actuation means. Such cuts may also function as a stopper. Figure 8H shows an example of a deformable pin as a linear locking mechanism.

In specific embodiments, the linear blocking mechanism may be a shape memory alloy (SMA). In particular, a molded element consisting of an alloy with a shape memory is deformed in such a way that it intrudes between the individual compartment and the housing. Under a certain condition and / or at a given time, a current can be applied, or the alloy with the shape memory can be heated in some other way, the alloy with the shape memory returns to its original shape. The initial form is defined in such a way that it makes it possible to release a separate compartment. Figure 8H shows an example of a shape memory alloy as a linear blocking mechanism.

In specific embodiments, the linear locking mechanism may be a pin. In particular, the pin is located between the hole in the wall of a separate compartment and the housing of the device, preventing the release of a separate compartment. Under a certain condition and / or at a predetermined time, the pin is either pulled inward or pushed out, which makes it possible to release a separate compartment. Figure 8E shows an example of a pin as a linear locking mechanism.

In specific embodiments, the linear locking mechanism is a bimetal latch. In particular, a bimetallic tape is attached to the outer surface of the housing so that one end protrudes through a hole in the housing and into a hole in a separate compartment. Under a certain condition and / or at a predetermined time, the bimetallic tape is heated and thereby deformed, causing the protruding end to recede, and making it possible to release a separate compartment. Figure 8F 8E shows an example of a bimetallic tape as a linear blocking mechanism.

In specific embodiments, the linear blocking mechanism may be electromagnets. In particular, the end surface of a separate compartment is composed of iron-containing material. The end of the housing is made of an iron-containing electromagnet. A current is passed through an electromagnet, which creates an attractive force between the end of the housing and the end surface of a separate compartment, preventing the release of a separate compartment. When the current is removed, the attractive force is no longer present, and a separate compartment can be released. Figure 8J shows an example of electromagnets as a linear blocking mechanism.

In other embodiments, the holding means may be fastening means and / or material that responds to changes in the external environment of the device (as described above). In particular, the actuation means of the device are tied to the closure means and means, and where the movement of the actuation means causes the closure means to block the opening. In other embodiments, the fastener means is also tied to a closure means.

The fastening means may be any device or connected elements that can hold and secure other objects to prevent movement or separation through the application of pressure.

In particular, the fastening means may be a clip that holds the leash in place in tension.

In specific embodiments, the implementation of the fastening means may be activated by any form of a locking mechanism described previously. The blocking mechanism may be secured or released by rotational, radial or linear motion, or by means. Preferably, the locking mechanism is a gripping device. Any form of gripping device known in the art can be used.

The gripping device may consist of several parts that may interfere with each other, possibly in combination with levers and pivot points. Parts may include hook elements and / or friction elements. One part of this group can be flexible, so that when a force is applied to it, it bends or deforms, or otherwise moves. This movement is arranged in such a way that the constituent parts of the gripping device no longer interfere with each other, and the gripping device is released, thereby releasing the holding means and thereby releasing a separate compartment.

In this particular embodiment, the actuating means may not contain a spring, may not contain a valve, and may not contain a locking means.

In this particular embodiment, actuation means (e.g., plunger / piston) and closure means are coupled. When the holding means (or fastening means and / or material that responds to changes in the external environment of the device) is activated (passively or actively), a separate compartment is released, thereby the actuation means moves along the body of the device for sampling due to pressure drop inside device enclosures. The actuation means tied to the closure means is in tension. The actuation means moves along the body of the device, the tensioned leash pulls the closing means along until the closing means reaches the hole. The closure is pushed or pulled into the hole, forming a closed device. At the same time, the actuation means draws the sample into the device chamber. Thus, the sample is sealed inside the device. Since the actuation means is tied to the closing means in tension, the actuation means (plunger / piston) cannot be released further, and thus, no stop means is needed to stop the plunger upon exiting the device.

In alternative embodiments, the holding means is also tied to the closure in tension.

Other embodiments may comprise a spring to increase the force by which the actuating means moves along the housing.

The device for sampling may further comprise a trigger means. The launcher may be a device element that can be activated automatically, pre-programmed and / or activated remotely. The launching means may be an element capable of interacting with a holding means to provide the release effect of a separate compartment of the sampling device.

In specific embodiments, the holding means may be activated by a trigger means and / or in response to a release parameter.

In specific embodiments, the implementation of the blocking mechanism may be activated using a trigger means and / or in response to a release parameter.

In specific embodiments, the implementation of the fastening means can be activated using the starting means and / or in response to the release parameter.

In particular, the trigger means can be activated automatically, preprogrammed and / or activated remotely.

In some embodiments, the trigger means may be some form of electronic drive.

The electronic drive can be selected from electromagnetic means (such as solenoids and / or electric motors, magnetostrictive materials), piezoelectronic means (such as a package of piezoelectric elements or diaphragm), devices for changing shape (wire from an alloy with shape memory), electrochemical (gas generation battery, spark generator, photosensitive adhesive), heating element and / or fusible (fuse blowing, heating element or drive made of plastic material).

In specific embodiments, the trigger means may be a solenoid or motor. A solenoid or motor may consist of a wire coiled around a central metal core. When current flows through the wire, the resulting electromagnetic field causes the solid core to move. This movement can be used to implement one or more of the mechanisms necessary to release the blocking mechanism and / or the holding means.

In specific embodiments, the trigger means may be a magnetostrictive material. When a magnetic field is applied to the magnetostrictive material, the material changes shape and / or size. This change in shape or size can be used as a source of kinetic energy for the action of one or more mechanisms necessary to release the blocking mechanism and / or retaining means.

In specific embodiments, the implementation of the trigger means may be a piezomagnetic material. When an electric field is applied to the piezomagnetic material, mechanical stress occurs. The force created by this piezoelectric effect can be used as a source of kinetic energy for the action of one or more mechanisms necessary to release the blocking mechanism and / or holding means. The available force can be multiplied by stackable piezoelectric elements.

In specific embodiments, the trigger means may be a shape memory alloy wire. In particular, the shape memory alloy wire may be a nickel-titanium alloy fiber (e.g., Nitinol® or Flexinol®) that changes length in the presence of an electric current. The force created by this change in length can be used as a source of kinetic energy to implement one or more of the mechanisms necessary to release the blocking mechanism and / or holding means.

In specific embodiments, the trigger may be a fuse. In particular, a piece of material is used to retain the energy of the actuation means (for example, containing a spring), preventing the release of a separate compartment from the device body. When current is applied to the material, electrical resistance causes the material to heat up and cause mechanical damage. Typically, the material is zinc, copper, silver, aluminum, or alloys designed to provide predictable failure characteristics. Fuse failure will release the locking mechanism and / or holding means, which will make it possible to release a separate compartment.

In further embodiments, the holding means and / or trigger means may be automatically activated, pre-programmed and / or remotely activated.

The starter can be triggered automatically in response to a release parameter (pH, temperature, etc.). Launcher can be triggered by instructions programmed in the microprocessor of a separate compartment in response to a release parameter. Launcher can also be triggered by an external wireless system in response to an external release parameter, such as time, daylight, or by direct intervention of a system user.

In some embodiments, the holding means and / or the trigger means are activated in response to the release parameter. In specific embodiments, the holding means is released in response to the release parameter.

When the release parameter can be activated through physiological characteristics, such as pH, pressure, temperature, or external remote activation, the release parameter can activate the holding means and / or trigger.

The release parameter may be a change in pH, a change in temperature, a change in illumination, a change in moisture content, a concentration of a solute and / or an activity or concentration of an enzyme, and / or can be activated at a predetermined time and / or at a given pH and / or at a predetermined temperature, and / or predetermined illumination, and / or predetermined humidity, and / or predetermined concentration of the dissolved substance, and / or predetermined enzymatic activity or concentration, or location, and / or environmental conditions, etc. .

In specific embodiments, the release parameter may be activated remotely outside the animal’s body or may be pre-programmed based on time or may be activated based on other physiological characteristics, such as pH, pressure, temperature, etc.

In particular, the release parameter may respond to the external environment of the device and / or be activated in response to a predetermined signal from the internal processor and / or controller in the device.

The device can be programmed to open with respect to the pH signal, which means emptying the stomach, for example, 60 minutes after the pH rises above pH3 or 60 minutes after the pH rises by at least 2 pH units and remains elevated for the next 3 minutes. In addition, a change in temperature may also be useful for determining increases in pH in the stomach due to ingestion of water so that these cases are not mistaken for emptying the stomach.

Calibration methods using parameters such as time, temperature, pH, etc. are known in the art. to determine the location in the gastrointestinal tract of the animal. In general, it is expected that the pH during passage in the gastrointestinal tract will rise sharply when the stomach is empty, continue to grow at a slower rate along the small intestine, and will drop sharply when it enters the colon before it starts to grow very slowly again (this can be seen on Figure 9). In particular, the time at which the device reaches the end of the small intestine can be identified, for example, as follows; (1) detecting an increase in pH of at least 4 pH units, (2) such an increase in pH is maintained for approximately 10 minutes, and (3) such an increase is at least 30 minutes after exiting the stomach.

In some embodiments, the device may include a controller (inside or outside the device) that controls the activation of the release parameter. In particular, the controller may either generate a signal at a predetermined time, or may receive a signal from outside, or generate a signal in response to measured parameters such as pH, temperature, pressure, enzymatic activity, or the like.

In some embodiments, a signal is induced in a device circuit using a series of electromagnetic coils external to the subject's body. The movement of the subject (for example, when walking between an array of electromagnetic coils or when moving a portable array of coils around the body of the subject) causes a current in the circuit of the device. This current is interpreted as a signal that acts as a release parameter.

In some embodiments, the circuit includes a signal pickup coil that receives a wireless signal from an external transmitter. This signal can be triggered at any time by an external operator and acts as a release parameter.

In certain specific embodiments of the invention, the holding means may be a rotatable locking mechanism, such as a bayonet mount, which is activated by a trigger means. Figures 5A and 5B show schematic illustrations of an example bayonet mount as a rotary locking mechanism on a device.

In specific embodiments of the invention, the holding means may be a rotatable locking mechanism, such as a bayonet mount, which is activated by trigger means, such as a piezo beam.

In particular, a separate compartment is inserted into the housing and rotated to engage with the actuating means. A separate compartment and actuation means (i.e., plunger / piston) are engaged with each other in order to maintain stored energy with a pin or other locking device. This rotation causes the spring in the locking mechanism, which provides the force to rotate a single compartment inside the housing, to stretch, storing a certain amount of energy inside the spring. The rotation also causes the protrusions to align on the separate compartment and housing, preventing the release of the separate compartment, and thus is secured with the possibility of separation. Thus, the device has a compressed configuration.

When sensors (e.g. pH and / or temperature) detect a corresponding change in pH and / or temperature, a signal is sent from the microprocessor to the piezoelectric beam, causing the beam to deflect. This deviation detaches the locking pin and allows you to release the stored energy of the spring by rotating a separate compartment inside the housing. This rotation displaces the protrusions in the separate compartment and the housing, which allows the separate compartment to be pushed out by the actuating means.

In specific embodiments of the invention, the holding means may be a rotatable locking mechanism, such as a bayonet mount, which is activated by trigger means, such as a shape memory alloy wire.

In particular, a separate compartment is inserted into the housing and rotated for engagement with the actuating means by means of a pin or other locking device. This rotation causes the spring to stretch, storing a certain amount of energy inside the spring. The rotation also causes the protrusions to align on the separate compartment and housing, preventing the release of the separate compartment, and thus is secured with the possibility of separation. The device is now in a compressed state. When sensors (e.g. pH and / or temperature) detect a corresponding change in pH and / or temperature, a signal is sent from the microprocessor to a piece of shape memory alloy wire, causing the shape memory alloy wire to shorten. One end of the shape memory alloy wire is attached to a fixing pin. This shortening detaches the locking pin and allows you to release the stored energy of the spring by rotating a separate compartment inside the housing. This rotation displaces the protrusions in the separate compartment and the housing, which allows the separate compartment to be pushed out by the actuating means.

In specific embodiments of the invention, the holding means may be a rotatable locking mechanism, such as a bayonet mount, which is activated by a trigger means, such as a shape memory alloy (SMA).

In particular, a separate compartment is inserted into the housing and rotated for engagement with the actuating means by means of a pin or other locking device. This rotation causes the simple spring element to stretch, storing a certain amount of energy inside the spring. This rotation displaces the protrusions in the separate compartment and the housing, which allows the separate compartment to be pushed out by the actuating means. The device is now in a compressed state. When sensors (e.g. pH and / or temperature) detect a corresponding change in pH and / or temperature, a signal is sent from the microprocessor to a piece of the deformed shape memory alloy, causing the shape memory to shorten. One end of the shape memory alloy is attached to a fixing pin. This change in shape detaches the locking pin and allows you to release the stored energy of the spring by rotating a separate compartment inside the housing. This rotation displaces the protrusions in the separate compartment and the housing, which allows the separate compartment to be pushed out by the actuating means.

In certain specific embodiments of the invention, the retaining means may be a radial blocking mechanism, such as a compressible material, which is activated by the launching means. Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of an example of an annular seal as a radial locking mechanism on a device.

In particular embodiments, the retaining means may be a radial locking mechanism, such as a compressible material in the form of an annular seal, which is activated by launching means, such as a piezo beam.

In particular, a separate compartment is inserted linearly into the housing. A constant linear force on a separate compartment (after it is inside the housing) causes compression of the elastic ring seal between the cover and the housing of the separate compartment. This compression deforms the sealing ring, so that it serves as an obstacle to the locking means (for example, the edge) at the end of the housing, preventing the release of a separate compartment. The annular seal is held in a compressed state by a gripping mechanism inside a separate compartment. When sensors (e.g. pH and / or temperature) detect a corresponding change in pH and / or temperature, a signal is sent from the microprocessor to the piezo beam, causing the beam to deflect. This deviation disconnects the gripping mechanism and allows the O-ring to restore its initial, uncompressed state, in which it is no longer an obstacle to the locking means (eg, edges) on the housing. A separate compartment is then pushed out by the actuation means.

In specific embodiments of the invention, the retaining means may be a radial locking mechanism, such as a compressible material in the form of an o-ring, which is activated by launching means, such as a shape memory alloy wire.

In particular, a separate compartment is inserted linearly into the body of the pill. The constant linear force on a separate compartment (after it is inside the main part of the pill) causes compression of the elastic ring seal between the cover and the housing of the separate compartment. This compression deforms the O-ring so that it obstructs the edge at the end of the main part of the pill, preventing the ejection of a separate compartment. The O-ring is held in a compressed state by a gripping mechanism in a separate compartment. When sensors (e.g. pH and / or temperature) detect a corresponding change in pH and / or temperature, a signal is sent from the microprocessor to a piece of shape memory alloy wire, causing the shape memory alloy wire to shorten. One end of the shape memory alloy wire is attached to the gripping mechanism. This shortening disconnects the gripping mechanism and allows the O-ring to restore its initial, uncompressed state, in which it is no longer an obstacle to the edge at the end of the main pill body. A separate compartment can be freely pushed out by the actuation means.

In specific embodiments of the invention, the holding means may be a radial locking mechanism, such as a compressible material in the form of an annular seal, which is activated by launching means, such as an alloy with shape memory (SMA).

In particular, a separate compartment is inserted linearly into the housing. A constant linear force on a separate compartment (after it is inside the housing) causes compression of the elastic ring seal between the cover and the housing of the separate compartment. This compression causes the O-ring to deform, so that it serves as an obstacle to the locking means (e.g. edge) at the end of the housing, preventing the release of a separate compartment. The annular seal is held in a compressed state by a gripping mechanism inside a separate compartment. When sensors (e.g. pH and / or temperature) detect a corresponding change in pH and / or temperature, a signal is sent from the microprocessor to a piece of the deformed shape memory alloy, causing the shape memory to shorten. One end of the shape memory alloy is attached to the gripping mechanism. This change in the shape of the gripping mechanism allows the O-ring seal to restore its initial, uncompressed state, in which it is no longer an obstacle to the locking means on the housing. A separate compartment can be freely pushed out by the actuation means.

In a specific embodiment of the invention, the holding means may be a fastening means that is activated by a trigger means. Figure 7 is a schematic illustration of an example of fixing means as a holding means of a device.

In specific embodiments of the invention, the retaining means may be a fastening means that is activated by a trigger means, such as a piezo beam.

In particular, a separate compartment is inserted linearly into the housing, causing compression of the actuation means. The leash is attached to the actuation means and extends around the outer surface of the device and is gripped by a fastening holding means (such as a clamping mechanism). The fastening means consists of a protrusion passing through the membrane on the surface of a separate compartment. The protrusion is held in place by a latch and a linkage inside a separate compartment. The latch may be initially engaged by the temporary action of a magnet or an electromagnet. The fastening means allows the screed to be held in tension, thereby preventing the movement of the actuation means from moving. When sensors (e.g. pH and / or temperature) detect a corresponding change in pH and / or temperature, a signal is sent from the microprocessor to the piezoelectric beam, causing the beam to deflect. This deviation disconnects the gripping and linkage mechanism, and makes the release of the fastening means possible. The actuation means can then freely push and push a separate compartment. As the actuation means moves along the body, the harness extends through the open pill. The closure is attached at a point on the leash, which serves to block the opening of the device when the actuation means is fully extended.

In specific embodiments of the invention, the holding means may be a fastening means that is activated by means of a trigger means, such as a shape memory alloy wire.

In particular, a separate compartment is inserted linearly into the housing, causing compression of the actuation means. The leash is attached to the actuation means and extends around the outer surface of the device, which is gripped by a fastening holding means (such as a clamping mechanism). The fastening means consists of a protrusion passing through the membrane on the surface of a separate compartment. The protrusion is held in place by a latch and a linkage inside a separate compartment. The protrusion is held in place by a latch and a linkage inside a separate compartment. The gripping device may be engaged by the temporary action of a magnet or an electromagnet. The fastening means allows you to hold the leash in tension, thereby preventing the movement of the means of actuation. When sensors (e.g. pH and / or temperature) detect a corresponding change in pH and / or temperature, a signal is sent from the microprocessor to a piece of shape memory alloy wire, causing the shape memory alloy wire to shorten. One end of the shape memory alloy wire is attached to a gripping and link mechanism. This shortening detaches the gripping and linkage mechanism and makes it possible to release the fastening means. The actuation means may then freely release a separate compartment. As the actuation means moves along the housing, the harness extends through the main opening of the device. The closure is attached at a point on the leash, which serves to block the opening of the device when the actuation means is fully extended.

In specific embodiments of the invention, the retaining means may be a fastening means that is activated by means of a trigger means, such as a shape memory alloy (SMA).

In particular, a separate compartment is inserted linearly into the housing, causing compression of the actuation means. The leash is attached to the actuation means and extends around the outer surface of the device, which is gripped by a fastening holding means (such as a clamping mechanism). The fastening means consists of a protrusion passing through the membrane on the surface of a separate compartment. The protrusion is held in place by a latch and a linkage inside a separate compartment. The protrusion is held in place by a latch and a linkage inside a separate compartment. The gripping device may be engaged by the temporary action of a magnet or an electromagnet. The fastening means allows you to hold the leash in tension, thereby preventing the movement of the means of actuation. When sensors (e.g. pH and / or temperature) detect a corresponding change in pH and / or temperature, a signal is sent from the microprocessor to a piece of the deformed shape memory alloy, causing the shape memory to shorten. One end of the shape memory alloy is attached to a gripping and link mechanism. This change in shape disconnects the gripping and linkage mechanism, and makes the release of the fastening means possible. The actuation means may then freely release a separate compartment. As the actuation means moves along the housing, the harness extends through the opening of the device. The closure is attached at a point on the leash, which serves to block the opening of the device when the actuation means is fully extended.

A second aspect of the present invention relates to a method for producing a sample (for example, an internal substance from the gastrointestinal tract of an animal), comprising the following steps; oral administration of the device of the invention to an animal; and removal of the device.

The device can be orally ingested by animals and removed from the stool and the sample is easily removed. The sample is stored and removed from the device for various biological, chemical and physical studies, such as total nitrogen, protein sample, amino acid analysis using high performance liquid chromatography, peptide size measurement, for example, using gel permeation chromatography, assessment of the presence of immune factors for example, using ELISA, identification, microbial counting using microbiological cultivation methods, or single-molecule / DNA sequencing or from echatka fingers "or the detection of metabolites, e.g., by mass spectrometry.

In some embodiments, the capsule may be administered on an empty stomach, with food, or at intervals before and / or after feeding.

In an embodiment, an animal may swallow more than one sampling device. Each device can be taken into an animal’s body at different times. Each device is capable of taking individual samples at different points throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Sampling devices may be ingested separately and / or connected together.

In particular, the sampling device may store and / or receive a volume of from about 18 to 20 ml, depending on the size of the device.

In some embodiments, the method of the invention is implemented in an animal, such as a mammal. The animal may be a person and / or a pet, a farm animal, a productive animal such as a dog, cat, horse, cow, sheep and / or chicken.

Depending on the type in which the device is used, modifications may be necessary. In particular, smaller animals require smaller devices. Differences in the gastrointestinal pH profile should also be taken into account, in particular in the case of ruminants.

Methods for detecting a device during its passage through the gastrointestinal tract of an animal are well known in the art, such as using radiography or ultrasound. Other types of device detection, such as chip insertion and / or wireless transmission, are well known in the art.

The device can be used in any way where it is preferable or necessary to avoid interference (human or other). Such methods include sampling from process vessels (for example, for wastewater, for food and beverages, for the production of biological products or chemicals such as fuels, for agricultural systems, for example, for biofuels or fertilizers and for the production of pesticides, containers for fish (home or industrial) hospital or factory pipes. The method comprises adding a device to the system described above and ultimately receiving the device from the system. The device can be removed from the same a hundred, or from somewhere else in the system. The device could pass through the system before its removal.

The invention will now be further described with reference to the following examples and drawings, which are intended for illustration purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the invention. Reference is made to a number of Figures in which:

In FIG. 1A and B show an exemplary embodiment of a sampling device. Figure 1A shows the appearance of a typical device, and Figure 1B shows a cross-sectional view of the device, including individual components of electronic systems.

In FIG. 2A and 2B are schematic views of a device.

Figure 3 shows a schematic view of an example device.

Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the various compartments of one embodiment of the device.

5 is an illustration of one particular embodiment of a device. In FIG. 5A is an illustration of a bayonet mount, and FIG. 5B is an illustration of a specific example of a device, characterized in that the holding means is a rotatable locking mechanism (bayonet mount).

Figure 6 shows an illustration of another specific embodiment of the device. The figure shows the holding means in the form of a compressed annular seal.

Figure 7 shows an illustration of yet another specific embodiment of a device. The Figure illustrates a specific example in which the holding means is a fastening means, the holding means is tied to a closure which is tied to the actuation means and a starting means is shown.

In FIG. 8A through 8L are illustrations of exemplary embodiments of a holding means that are blocking mechanisms.

Figure 8A shows a radial locking mechanism, which is a bending friction element. The holding means is a radial locking mechanism, a friction element with a bend. Elements with a bend protruding from the sides of a separate compartment serve as an obstacle to the inner side of the housing in order to cause friction. This friction prevents the release of a separate compartment. The elements are supported in a bent configuration using the force generated by the starting means, for example, the current passing through the piezoelectric package. When the electric current is turned off, the curved elements relax, reducing friction and allowing the release of a separate compartment.

Figure 8B shows a radial locking mechanism, which is a spring ring. The snap ring is mounted in a groove on the outer circumference of a separate compartment. The snap ring acts as an obstacle to the second groove on the inner surface of the housing, preventing the release of a separate compartment. The starting means may be a piece of shape memory alloy wire, which is shortened when current flows, compressing the spring ring together so that its circumference decreases, which makes it possible to release a separate compartment.

Figure 8C illustrates a rotational locking mechanism that is in a rotary gripper (such as a rotary point latch). The pivot arm protrudes from a separate compartment to act as an obstacle to the edge at the end, preventing the release of a separate compartment. Starting means, for example, an electronic motor, causes the lever to rotate on the sealed bearing so that it no longer interferes with the lip, which makes it possible to release a separate compartment.

Figure 8D shows a linear locking mechanism that is a deformable sleeve. The protrusions at the end of the housing prevent the ejection of a separate compartment. Part of the body is made of a deformable material, such as a piezoelectric material. When a current passes through a piezoelectric material, it deflects it outward from a separate compartment. The protrusions are no longer an obstacle to the release of a separate compartment.

Figure 8E shows a linear locking mechanism that is a pin. The pin protrudes through a hole in a separate compartment into a blind hole in the housing, preventing the release of a separate compartment. Starting means, for example, a solenoid device, provides a force that pushes the pin outward through a hole in the housing, which makes it possible to release a separate compartment.

Figure 8F shows a linear locking mechanism that is a bimetal latch. The bimetallic pin protrudes through the hole in the housing and serves as an obstacle to the removal of a separate compartment, preventing the release of the latter. Starting means, for example, an electronic heating coil, heats the bimetal latch / or pin so that it deflects or deforms. This change causes the bimetal latch (or pin) to detach from a separate compartment, making it possible to release it. (Q = heating)

Figure 8G shows a radial locking mechanism that is a retractable gripper. Two deformable elements protrude from the surface of a separate compartment into holes in the housing, preventing the ejection of a separate compartment. Starting means, for example, a piezoelectric package, causes the deformable elements to be pushed in a direction parallel to the length of the device. This leads to the fact that the ends of the deformable elements are pulled inward from the housing, which makes it possible to release a separate compartment.

Figure 8H shows a linear locking mechanism that is a deformable pin. Two elements protrude from the surface of the housing into the recesses in a separate compartment, preventing the release of a separate compartment. Elements are deformable, for example, made of an alloy with shape memory. When the current passes through the elements, their consistency changes so that the elements become softer and the force of the actuation means is able to deform them to such an extent that a separate compartment is released.

Figure 8I shows a rotational locking mechanism that is magnets. The magnets built into the surface of a separate compartment and housing are combined in such a way that there is an attractive force between them. This attractive force prevents the release of a separate compartment. Starting means, such as an electric motor, cause the magnets to move, or to align so that the magnetic poles repel. This eliminates the attractive force between the magnets, which makes it possible to release a separate compartment.

Figure 8J shows a linear blocking mechanism that is electromagnets (electromagnetic). The end surface of a separate compartment consists of an iron-containing material. The end of the housing is made of an iron-containing electromagnet. A current is passed through an electromagnet, which creates an attractive force between the end of the housing and the end surface of a separate compartment, preventing the release of a separate compartment. When the current is removed, the attractive force is no longer present, and a separate compartment can be released.

Figure 8K shows a representation of a holding means, which is a heat-sensitive material. Material that decomposes when heated, such as a plastic material, prevents the release of a separate compartment. When heated, the material becomes soft and is no longer able to resist the force of the actuation means and a separate compartment is released.

Figure 8L shows a representation of a holding means, which is a photosensitive material. The friction between the individual compartment and the body caused by glue or material similar to the glue prevents the release of the separate compartment. When the material is exposed to light, for example, when exposed to a light emitting diode (adhesive), the material decomposes and a separate compartment is released.

The Figure 9 presents a graph of the pH of the gastrointestinal tract of the animal versus time, and shows at what point the device is open and at what point the device captured the sample.

Figure 10 is a block diagram showing various electrical components that may be in a separate compartment.

The following example demonstrates how to use the device:

A separate compartment is removed from the device and unscrewed in order to provide access to the on-board electronics. The microprocessor is connected to a spring contact for serial data transmission in order to provide the configuration of the corresponding sampling frequency. A new battery is inserted on the circuit board and the separate compartment is then plugged. Electronics records pH data from the insertion point of the battery until the battery is removed. Each sampling event is associated with a LED flash in order to show the user that the pill is functioning correctly.

The pH sensor is then calibrated against a known set of buffer solutions.

A separate compartment is inserted into the housing along with a washer made of material that decomposes under alkaline pH conditions, preventing the ejection of a separate compartment.

The valve assembly is screwed into the housing. This compresses the spring of the actuation means, pressing the plunger against a separate compartment. The protrusion on the piston engages with the switch assembly on the printed circuit board through a membrane on the surface of a separate compartment. This is recorded by the on-board electronics, indicating that the device is in a closed / compressed configuration.

The device is then ready for administration to a test subject.

During passage along the gastrointestinal tract, the device measures the output signal of the pH sensor in accordance with a given sampling frequency, for example, every 30 seconds. Upon exiting the stomach, the retainer washer begins to break down in the alkaline environment of the duodenum. When the washer collapses to such an extent that it can no longer withstand the force of the compressed spring of the actuation means, a separate compartment is pushed out of the device.

Since a separate compartment is pushed out of the device, the movement of the plunger along the length of the device creates a temporary vacuum, which draws a sample of the contents of the digestive tract into the device through the hole. During this time, the pressure of the protrusion of the plunger on the switch assembly decreases. This is recorded by the on-board electronics as an indication that the device is in its open / uncompressed configuration.

After passing through the entire digestive tract, the device is removed after elimination. The device is removable in two parts. A compartment that contains the selected contents of the digestive tract and a separate compartment containing pH-related data recorded during passage and recording sampling times represented by a change in the state of the switch.

The device is unscrewed in order to withdraw the selected contents of the digestive tract. A separate compartment is subjected to a second calibration using a known set of buffer solutions to check the drift of the pH sensor output signal compared to the initial calibration.

A separate compartment is unscrewed and the battery is removed. Data is downloaded from the built-in flash memory via a spring contact for serial data transfer, attached to the microprocessor. These data can be seen in Figure 9.

The device is reprogrammed and ready for use again.

The results in FIG. 9 show the pH calibration along the animal’s gastrointestinal tract, at what point in time the sample was taken and the corresponding pH.

Claims (32)

1. A sampling device comprising a housing, the housing comprising a chamber, at least one opening, actuating means and a separate compartment, the separate compartment being secured with the possibility of separation inside the housing by means of a holding means, which is a material that reacts on changes in the external environment of the device, the actuation means enabling the internal substance to be drawn through the hole into the chamber while simultaneously pushing a separate compartment along to rpusa as long as a separate compartment will not be ejected from the apparatus for sampling, thereby providing larger space or volume for receiving and storing the sample in the device chamber for sampling. 2. The device for sampling according to claim 1, in which the retaining means is a material in the form of a coating. 3. A sampling device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the retention aid is a material that responds to pH, temperature, humidity, light, concentration of a solute, or enzymatic decomposition. 4. A device for sampling according to paragraphs. 1-3, in which the material is degradable, digestible or soluble. 5. A device for sampling according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein said at least one hole is an inlet and / or outlet. 6. A device for sampling according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, in which the hole is equipped with a one-way valve. 7. A device for sampling according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, in which the means of actuation contains at least a plunger. 8. A device for sampling according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, in which the means of actuation is a spring and a plunger. 9. The sampling device according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, in which the actuating means is connected to one end of the housing of the sampling device, and a separate compartment is at least secured with the possibility of separation by means of a holding means inside the housing on the opposite end of the sampling device . 10. A device for sampling according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, in which a separate compartment is configured to at least partially release and at least partially disconnect from the actuation means when the holding means is activated. 11. A device for sampling according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, in which at the end of the housing, from which a separate compartment is ejected from the sampling device, a locking means is made to prevent the actuating means from being ejected from the housing. 12. The device for sampling according to claim 11, in which the locking means is an edge, a pin, a tooth or a protrusion. 13. A device for sampling according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, in which a separate compartment contains at least a battery, a sensor and a microprocessor. 14. The sampling device according to claim 13, wherein the sensor is a pH sensor and / or a temperature sensor. 15. The device for sampling according to claim 13 or 14, in which a separate compartment further comprises a pressure switch. 16. The sampling device according to claim 15, wherein the pressure switch is configured to record, by the microprocessor, times in which a separate compartment is pushed out of the housing of the sampling device. 17. A device for sampling according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, in which the device is reusable. 18. A device for sampling according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, and the device is configured to take internal matter from the gastrointestinal tract of the animal. 19. A device for sampling according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, in which the retaining means further comprises a locking mechanism between the housing and a separate compartment. 20. The device for sampling according to claim 19, in which the blocking mechanism is configured to fasten and / or release by rotational, radial or linear motion, or by means. 21. The sampling device according to claim 20, wherein the rotational locking mechanism is a bayonet mount. 22. The device for sampling according to claim 20, in which the radial locking mechanism is a rubber ring sealing washer. 23. A sampling device according to claim 20, wherein the linear locking mechanism is a pin that pushes a separate compartment into place. 24. A device for sampling according to any one of paragraphs. 19-23, in which the blocking mechanism is configured to be activated by a trigger means selected from electromagnetic means or piezoelectric means, a shape memory alloy, a shape memory alloy wire or a fuse. 25. A device for sampling according to any one of paragraphs. 19-24, in which the locking mechanism is arranged to release it in response to the release parameter. 26. A device for sampling according to any one of paragraphs. 19-25, in which the locking mechanism is configured to automatically activate, is pre-programmed and / or configured to remotely activate. 27. A device for sampling according to any one of paragraphs. 24-26, in which the launching means is configured to automatically activate, is pre-programmed and / or configured to remotely activate. 28. A device for sampling according to any one of paragraphs. 25-27, in which the release parameter is a change in pH, a change in temperature, a change in moisture content, a change in the concentration of the solute, a change in the concentration of the enzyme, or a change in light radiation, and / or is activated at a predetermined time, and / or at a given pH value, and / or at a given temperature, and / or a given humidity, and / or a given concentration of solute, and / or a given enzymatic activity or concentration. 29. A device for sampling according to any one of paragraphs. 19-27, in which the locking mechanism is a bayonet mount that is activated by a trigger. 30. A device for sampling according to any one of paragraphs. 19-27, in which the locking mechanism is a rubber ring sealing washer, which is activated by a launching means. 31. A method of obtaining a sample of the gastrointestinal tract of an animal, comprising the following steps: oral administration of a device according to any one of the preceding claims to an animal and removal of the device. 32. The method of claim 31, wherein the animal is a human, pet, farm animal, or productive animal such as a dog, cat, horse, cow, sheep, or chicken.

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